July 10, 2023

Sex & Intimacy With Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L

1 hour 4 minutes

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EPISODE TITLE: Sex & Intimacy with Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Deb talks with Sujata Martin about sex & intimacy. We covered:

Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy

The impact of a neurological diagnosis on the pelvic floor, function and one’s identity

Where sex and sexuality are addressed in the OT Practice Framework, 4th edition

How fine motor deficits impact bowel & bladder management, including catheter management

Sexual expression, psychological & physical aspects of intimacy

Finding the right practitioner-why properly trained OT practitioners may be able to help & finding a good provider/client fit

The role of occupational therapy practitioners in addressing sexual needs of clients, including clinician responsibility in receiving client responses; the importance of withholding judgment to avoid damage to the client

Additional training required to treat pelvic dysfunction & to provide sex counseling

The importance of client questioning and, sometimes, persistence, when advocating to getting one’s needs met

Being open to considering other possibilities such as adaptations to enhance connection and intimacy

Being mindful not to adapt to the caregiver & sick role only - remembering who you are to maintain relationship

Sexuality as a means of strengthening relationships with one’s partner(s) and oneself

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

Show References

Mellor, R.M. et. al, (2013). Healthcare professionals’ views on discussing sexual wellbeing with patients who have had a stroke: A qualitative study. PLOS | ONE, 8(10).

Naphtali, K., MacHattie, E., Elliott, S.L. & Krassioukov, A. (2009). Pleasure ABLE: Sexual device manual for persons with disabilities. Disabilities Health Research Network.

O’Shea, A., Frawley, P., Leahy, J. W., & Nguyen, H.D. (2020). A critical appraisal of sexuality and relationships programs for people with acquired brain injury. Sexuality and Disability, 38:57-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-020-09616-5

Prior, S., Reeves, N., Peterson, G., Jaffray, L., & Campbell, S. (2019). Addressing the gaps in post-stroke sexual activity Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives. Healthcare 7, 25; doi:10.3390/healthcare7010025

Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality & Intimacy

University of Indianapolis-https://uindy.edu/health-sciences/ot/opisi

Development of the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI): Phase One-https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss2/7/

Find a pelvic therapist: Pelvicrehab.com

Sujata’s website: pelvicsoul.com

Sujata’s book: “Not Just Kegels – The Exhausted Mama’s Guide to Pregnancy & Postnatal Wellness” that ranked #1 on Amazon’s Pregnancy & Childbirth list.

THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:

DEB’S RESOURCES

Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)

The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy

Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)

Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults

Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults

Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)

PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:

- Blog: blogspot.com

Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition

DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub

REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!

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MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

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